Scottish Highlands
 

My husband, myself and another couple are planning a Scotland trip for the beginning of August. We have 2 days planned in Edinburgh, 2 in the Highlands and 1 in Glasgow. We are having problems trying to figure out a good place in the Highlands to make our home base. Does anyone have any suggestions? I think we want to stay away from any big cities. Also, any ideas on places to stay in all three areas? We would like inexpensive but comfortable accomodations. My husband and I are staying a couple of days longer then our friends and were considering going to an island for a night before we fly out of Glasgow. Are there any cool islands close to Glasgow that are worth checking out? Thanks for the help. -K

That was a new glitch. I was halfway through typing this when the whole thing rebooted without a command!! <BR> <BR>Anyway, as I was saying:- <BR> <BR>Kay:- I answered the first part of your query in an earlier post. As to islands, can you clarify your programme? <BR> <BR>is it 2 days Edinburgh, 2 days Highlands (plus one for an island) 1 day Glasgow? Or 2 days Edinburgh, 2 days Highlands, 1 day Glasgow then 1 day islands? <BR> <BR>If the former, bearing in mind my suggestion of Lochcarron in the earlier post would give you the option of seeing Skye from there, then catch the ferry from Uig at the north of Skye to North Uist, drive down through the Uists and catch the overnight ferry to Oban from Lochboisdale, South Uist (see www.cal-mac.co.uk for details). <BR> <BR>That will give you 3 (or maybe four)extra islands for the price of one!! <BR> <BR>If the latter, then I fear, given drive times, you are stuck with Bute or Arran- both very nice in their own way. <BR> <BR>Please feel free to come back for more detail.

We were thinking of the island excursion at the end of the trip--leaving Glasgow on Sun. am and returning on Mon. for our flight out around noon. Is there some other place close to Glasgow that would be a better alternative? Thanks!

Kay based on that, the only alternative I would suggest to Bute or Arran, for both of which ferries sail from Glasgow or very close by, is if would fly. Options then widen to:- <BR> <BR>Islay <BR>Tiree <BR>the Uists <BR>Lewis <BR>Barra <BR> <BR>(Have I missed any Frank?) <BR> <BR>You would have to check the timetables too. Do you think that's an option?

Unfortunately we are traveling on a limited budget and therefore I don't think that flying is an option. I will check and see what the airfairs to these places are running though. Feel free to suggest any non-island places in the area as that can be a consideration as well. Thanks -K

I'm thinking about it. Did you get this morning's answer? about Lochcarron. I have seen it. I did not hallucinate it but it seems to have disappeared.

Got it...I'm looking it up in my guide books. Have you been there? How far is it from Edinburgh? Thx -K

This is actually a tough one to answer. A tall order. Edinburgh - in the beginning of August. Edinburgh has one of the largest arts festivalas in the world. It is still growing and the result is it is almost imposible to find accomodation for about the last three weeks of August and into the first week of September. <BR> <BR>A base in the highlands? The West Coast has better scenery and the town of Oban will provide accomodation and opportunities to head south to Loch Lomond or north towards Skye. Hop abooard a Caledonian Macbrayne ferry and pick your island. They've got itineraries where you island hop. Check out their website. I don't have URL handy, but try some combinations or search via your favorite engine. Don't forget, it may not be .com but .co,uk. <BR> <BR>One day in Glasgow and visit an Island? Yep, Arran or Bute. You might be able to take a trip on the last sea going paddle steamer in the world from Glasgow through places like Dunoon, Wemys Bay, and Rothesay (Isle of Bute). If you choose to stop on Bute, try getting over to the Kyles of Bute. A wonderful passage to sail through. <BR> <BR>Above are a few names and places for you to research and pick something out that meets your itinerary. Whoops, a last thought... If you choose to try Inverness and Loch Ness for the Highlands. Head out Glen Affric - one of the most pituresque spots in Scotland. You're also not far from my favorite (but not cheap) hotel in the area, the Glen Morriston Arms. Just at the juncture of the 'Road to the Isles', another wonderful view.

Kay <BR> <BR>what I said in the parallel dimension was that I had "sent" Ami from Chicago to Lochcarron. he left for here last Friday. I was suggesting that you saw how he got on before you decide. <BR> <BR>The trick is to be somwhere suuficiently central to easily reach other places, but which isn't too far from the Central Belt so you don't spend an age getting there. I suggested Lochcarron, which gives you and easy run north to Inverness or Torridon or south to Kintail or onto Skye; or Dunkeld on the main road north. <BR> <BR>I like Martin's suggestion of Invermoriston for the same reasons. I don't think with the time you have that you could go far offshore. Skye, obviously or Mull if you base yourselves in Oban.